The Army in Scotland today bid a fond farewell to Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR as he went out with a ‘bang’ firing the iconic One O’clock Gun and taking his final Salute, as Governor of Edinburgh Castle.
The Army in Scotland today bid a fond farewell to Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR
The Army in Scotland today bid a fond farewell to Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR
The Army in Scotland today bid a fond farewell to Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE DL VR
Although the Royal Gun Salute, at Edinburgh Castle today honoured the 2nd Anniversary of the Accession of His Majesty The King, it was a poignant moment for General Alastair, because it was his last ceremonial event in this prestigious role.
I have had the absolute joy of being Governor of Edinburgh Castle. We Scots can be tremendously proud of our Armed Forces
The Saluting Troop was made up of members from the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and a member of the RAF Regiment. Musical accompaniment was provided by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Governor of Edinburgh Castle is The King’s representative here, who maintains a link between the Castle and Scottish soldiers, who made it what it is.
General Alastair has held the office of Governor of Edinburgh Castle, an appointment that can be traced back to 1108, for over five years. During this time, he has raised the profile of this important Army role and welcomed thousands of visitors into the fortress.
However, the ‘Bruce’ legacy will continue as the Army in Scotland and Edinburgh Castle now welcome Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO, as the new Governor.
General Alastair added: “I shall be very sad to leave Edinburgh Castle, as it has become my home and I will hugely miss living up here; but, you know, if you leave something and feel you have done your job, it is wonderful to see someone else who has such qualifications for it, taking it on. I know that Bob, my fellow Bruce family kin, will carry it on in a wonderful new direction and I wish him well.”
General Bob has had a long and distinguished military career, retiring from the Regular Army in 2020 in the role as Military Secretary and General Officer Scotland. He is now an Army Reservist and in his second career with NatWest Group in Gogarburn.
When asked what it meant for him to be taking over this role in the footsteps of General Alastair he said:
“General Alastair has been a superb Governor of Edinburgh Castle through difficult times, including Covid-19. He has set incredibly high standards and I plan to develop his great work.”
Edinburgh Castle is just a magnificent icon for the city and for the nation and to be the Governor of Edinburgh Castle for the forthcoming three years is the most tremendous privilege.”